The Bob Moog Foundation, an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bob Moog and his work, has launched a new fundraising raffle, featuring a fully-restored vintage Minimoog synthesizer, signed by pioneering synthesist Herb Deutsch.
Deutsch collaborated with Bob Moog in the 1960’s on the development of the early Moog modular systems and is recognized as co-inventor of the Moog modular.
The raffle launched February 9th, to commemorate Deutsch’s 90th birthday, and runs through March 7th, 2022, 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out. The funds raised by the raffle support the Foundation’s mission, including projects like Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool and the Moogseum.
The Minimoog featured in the raffle is serial number 11,535, built at Moog Music’s Cheektowaga, NY factory during the late 1970s. It has an estimated value of $10,000. Due to the highly coveted nature of this archetypal synthesizer, and the iconic signature from Herb Deutsch, it is likely to increase in value.
This Minimoog has been meticulously restored by synthesizer technician Wes Taggart of Analogics, who also crafted its new custom walnut cabinet enclosure. It is in excellent technical and physical condition.
“The Bob Moog Foundation is thrilled to offer this rare Minimoog synthesizer signed by Herb Deutsch on the occasion of his 90th birthday,” remarked Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. “We honor Herb for his undeniable place in synthesizer history, as the catalyst who inspired Bob Moog to design the very first Moog synthesizer. Bob could not have achieved his pioneering work without Herb’s ongoing careful guidance and insight, starting with their work together in the summer of 1964, and lasting for decades thereafter. We hope the lucky winner of this Minimoog will be deeply inspired by this rare piece of history.”
Tickets for the raffle available now for $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200, or 40 for $500.
Note: Proceeds from the raffle support The Bob Moog Foundation. The Foundation is independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and is not affiliated with Moog Music, Inc.
“Estimated value,” my arse, heh. I hope the recipient wants to >play< it, rather than simply crowing "I have one with Herb's autograph on it." If so, the rest doesn't matter. I'm perfectly okay with the Foundation partly maintaining itself this way, though. Its an honest offer. You know the thing is in creamy shape.
The estimated value seems reasonable. Check out the prices for vintage Minimoogs in excellent shape on Reverb
Would be beyond a dream come true.
Looks class! I’d love one.
Wendy Carlos’ name should be credited somewhere here, too.
We all recognize the importance of Wendy Carlos and her legacy, but what does she have to with this raffle or the Minimoog?
I don’t get why people value instruments like this. I don’t get hero worship. cheap chance at minimoog sure… but otherwise? nah.
I know, right? 45-50 year old Minimoogs often go for $8,000 and up. As of this writing, there are Minimoogs on Ebay and Reverb with asking prices of over $11,000. Only collectors and/or players with deep pockets would/could pay that kind of money for a machine that has no warranty, is expensive to repair if/when something goes wrong, and has no MIDI.
IMHO, other than its ridiculously small size, the Roland SE-02 is a better analog synth in every way, not least of which is its ability to store hundreds of sounds.
Anyone who says that modern alternatives can’t sound like a Minimoog are not being objective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYxc8R_Qys0
If someone wants to pay huge dollars for a many decades old, iconic synthesizer, have at it. For the majority of people (the starving artists) who don’t have that kind of money for a Minimoog, viable alternatives with a warranty and more features can be had at 1/34 the price.
But yeah, here’s a chance to win an authentic Minimoog….but otherwise? Nah.
The collecting impulse isn’t very rational, just look at the art market.
Some people will collect, others make music in any way they can.
Why the hero worship?
I dunno. Maybe it’s an expression of respect, inspiration, gratitude, and a wee bit of (healthy?) envy for an individual who has worked hard to harness their talents to make our lives a little bit better?
But if you don’t feel that for anyone that’s OK too.
I love the sound of all Moogs.
I never could own one, due lack of funds.
I am still dreaming of own one.
I have wanted one of these since the mid-70s, I used to drive my bandmates nuts because that’s all I would talk about… I wanted a Moog… Sounded like moo not vogue… and I was the bassist, the Guitarist nicknamed me Moog. Anyway, I got my first Moog, a Grandmother last year so what a long trip it’s been… I’m just glad to have the Grandmother, but a Mini would be out of this world. thanks
What an awesome piece of history. Kudos to the men and women who designed and engineered this instrument.